Julio Velázquez Confirms Akram Bouras to Miss Match Against Kairat Almaty

Midfielder Akram Bouras picked up a thigh injury during the 72nd minute of a domestic victory against Septemvri, a moment that alarmed supporters when the player immediately grabbed his leg and had to be stretchered off as detailed by Gol.bg. Medical evaluations revealed a strain that will sideline him for roughly a month, ruling him out of the upcoming fixtures.

Julio Velázquez Confirms Squad Absences and Recovery Timelines

Manager Julio Velázquez addressed reporters on Monday, August 3, 2026, confirming that Bouras is entirely unavailable for the contest against Kairat Almaty. Bouras will not play in tomorrow’s match. 100% will not be an option, as he is injured. He will probably be absent in some of the upcoming matches as well, Velázquez stated, emphasizing his confidence in the wider squad despite the setback.

Bouras will not play in tomorrow’s match. 100% will not be an option, as he is injured. He will probably be absent in some of the upcoming matches as well. He is a footballer who often enters our plans. I must have a positive way of thinking, every problem has a solution. We must be in a positive mood. I have complete trust in every single footballer. Julio Velázquez, manager of Levski

The defensive stability of the team faces an additional test with left-back Maicon also sidelined by a muscle strain reported by Gol.bg. Maicon sustained his injury during the second leg against Universitatea and missed the domestic match against Septemvri. Velázquez noted that the Brazilian defender is currently undergoing rehabilitation, with a final assessment scheduled ahead of kickoff.

Analyzing Kairat Almaty and the Third-Round Stakes

Looking toward the opposition, Velázquez drew a clear line between past opponents and the incoming Kazakh side, highlighting Kairat’s achievement in reaching the group stage of the UEFA Champions League last season. Each team is a different story – a different country, different footballers, a different style, Velázquez remarked noted by Gong, pointing out that Kairat boasts a well-organized setup that includes Spanish and Portuguese players.

Meanwhile, Levski held their morning session at 10:00 on the Gerena pitch.

Ticket Demand and Match Logistics

Club figures show that 9,000 tickets have already been distributed ahead of the opening leg, reported Sportal.bg, even before general public sales officially commenced. The fixture kicks off on Tuesday at 20:30 at Georgi Asparuhov Stadium confirmed by Gol.bg, where Velázquez has called on supporters to create the usual synergy as the team aims to navigate its squad limitations in Europe.